Chevrolet Tahoe Complaints (2021)

437 consumer complaints on file.

#11722367March 5, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The sound in my entire truck goes in and out. Even my blinker signal does not make sound and I have to look down to ensure my blinker is on which could lead to an accident.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11721561March 2, 2026
POWER TRAIN
I was driving yesterday and noticed my transmission started to shift hard and unnecessarily. Then I received a warning that propulsion was affected and to drive with care. The check engine light came on. I was able to make it home, but the vehicle wouldn't go into reverse. I had it towed to a dealership today and they identified the issue as being related to the valve body. Apparently a recall was just issued for this on the 2022 Chevy Tahoes. I'm not sure why this isn't being extended to the 2021 model.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11721469March 2, 2026
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The vehicle lost motive power, and the transmission slammed into gear, and it felt like the vehicle was rear-ended. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with transmission valve body failure. The contact was informed that the transmission valve body needed to be replaced. The contact was later informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was being repaired. The contact stated that the failure was a known failure with the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 62,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11721408March 2, 2026
POWER TRAIN
Transmission issue -while driving 55 mph the RPM’s revved up and the vehicle felt as it it was in 2nd or 3rd gear. Warning lights came on stating “rapid deceleration use caution” and the engine light came on. The vehicle was able to go into park but upon shifting back into drive, it did not change gears. Sounds as if it is being driven in 2nd or 3rd gear with RPM’s elevated.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11721272March 1, 2026
POWER TRAIN, ENGINE, STEERING
#1 ) el motor presento esta fallas en las 98mil millas, el motor empezó con un alto consumo de aceite de 5 cuartos de aceite cada 3 mil millas, en repetidas ocasiones estábamos de viaje junto a mi familia, mi esposa, [XXX]. Un dia Hicimos una para frente a un semáforo, y en seguida el vehículo empezo a tirar una gran cantidad de humo blanco por la salida de los escapes, mis hijas entraron en pánico una de ellas intento salir del vehículo en plena calle principal, ella sintió miedo y pensó que el vehículo se estaba incendiando. En ese momento le dije que es un problema de el vehículo pero que no era incendio. El humo que sale repentinamente es derivado de el excesivo consumo de de aceite en el motor. A mi punto de vista esto representa un alto riesgo en la carretera. Poniendo riesgo la vida de mi familia, la mía misma y la terceros en la carretera. El aceite que consume significa que esta llegando a las cámaras de combustión en el motor y esto puede deribar, que en un momento determinado el aceite sirva como combustible y el vehículo en marcha se acelere sin control y provocar graves danos a la integridad de mi familia y asta la muerte de terceras personasla carretera. #2) la transmisión en este vehículo tironea bruscamente cuando hace un cambio de velocidad esto representa un alto riesgo para mi familia, este vehículo representa un alto riesgo de que cuando haga un cambio de marcha rompa algunos componentes internos y esto lleve a una parada repentina y provocar un accidente mortal. #3) últimamente este vehículo a presentado inestabilidad en el volante, a la fecha de esta nota el problema tiene al rededor 5 días . El vehículo se llevo al consecionario Maik Chevrolet ubicado en 11711 Katy fresa y, houston tx 77079, ellos hicieron las respectivas pruebas en el vehículo y determinaron que el vehículo no era apto para estar en la carrtera debido a las fallas que presenta en la transmisión y el motor. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11721164February 28, 2026
POWER TRAIN
While driving my 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe at highway speeds (approximately 60 mph), the transmission suddenly malfunctioned due to what the dealership is telling was a valve body failure. Without warning, the vehicle lost proper propulsion and began to decelerate rapidly in active traffic. I did not receive adequate warning before the failure occurred. The sudden loss of power at highway speed created a very dangerous situation. Vehicles behind me had to brake abruptly, and I was nearly rear-ended. This presented a serious safety risk to me, my three children, and surrounding drivers. The issue was later diagnosed as a transmission valve body failure. A failure of this nature should not occur on a relatively new vehicle, and there Is currently a recall on other 2021 Tahoe’s for this same issues. My car is sitting at the Chevy dealership waiting for a full valve body replacement, which the dealership said they are having issues getting the part and will take over 2 weeks. The cost is around 5k to fix.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11720423February 25, 2026
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Drivers side head lamp adjuster broke inexplicably. I noticed while driving that the headlight was pointing down towards the ground. No warnings of any kind. I made no attempts to adjust the headlight either before or after the issue was noticed. It is difficult to drive at night because there’s essentially only one headlight working properly. The vehicle has never been in an accident. I took it to the dealer and they told me that it could not be fixed and the entire headlight assembly needed to be replaced. It’s a very extensive process that I cannot do. The cost is almost $2000. I contacted a local repair shop and they quoted a similar price. I contacted GM and they said it was up to the dealer to determine if they would offer cost assistance for the repair. The dealer refused. GM accepted their decision and could not help with the cost. How do they expect someone to afford this cost? It’s not a part they ever expected that needed to be replaced or else it would not require the front bumper to be removed. The light is designed to last as long as the vehicle so why would they not fix an obvious defect. I’ve seen others online complaining of the same problem. The adjuster arm is made with cheap plastic and separates inside the assembly. There’s no way to get to it. It is unsafe to drive at night. I cannot see the road and any light reflectors on the center line flash in my eyes because there’s essentially only headlight is pointing directly at them.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11720030February 23, 2026
ENGINE
My 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe engine seized while I was driving on the highway. All I heard was a loud clunk then there was a sudden power loss while I was driving before I could even get to the side of the road. I had to pay, out of pocket, to get a tow because the vehicle failed to crank or start. I had the vehicle towed to the Chevy dealership in Paramus, NJ just to find that this is a known recalled issued with the 5.3L, V8 engines which is the engine my vehicle has. There seem to be problems specifically regarding defective connecting rods or the crankshaft but for some strange reason my vehicle's vin number is not included in this recall although it is the same year, same vehicle, same engine and same problem. My vehicle should be included in the recall so it can be repaired for free at the chevy dealership in Paramus, NJ as I use this vehicle to transport children and that is very unsafe to have this defect and not fix it for free when it is not the fault of the driver.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11719431February 20, 2026
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed, and the vehicle started losing motive power. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle stalled and was unable to be restarted. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the fuel module had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact researched online and associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V739000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The dealer was contacted for information if the VIN was under recall, and was informed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 111,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11718169February 15, 2026
ENGINE
While driving home late at night, the vehicle experienced a sudden mechanical failure in the engine. I was traveling approximately 2 miles per hour while slowing to stop at a stop sign when there was a loud “clunk,” followed by an abrupt stop of the vehicle. Immediately after this occurred, multiple dashboard warning lights illuminated, and a knocking sound began coming from the engine. The vehicle is currently not operating normally and is available for inspection upon request. This incident occurred late at night while I was driving with my two young children in the vehicle. The sudden and unexpected stop put us at risk of being rear-ended or stranded in an unsafe location. The loss of normal vehicle operation created a dangerous situation, especially given the time of night, location, and the presence of my children. There were no warning lights, messages, or noticeable symptoms prior to the incident. All warning lights illuminated only after the loud clunk and abrupt stop occurred. The knocking sound from the engine began immediately following the failure. I now am in a rental car that costs $700 a week that my insurance doesn’t cover.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11717741February 13, 2026
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that while driving and attempting to slow down to approximately 35 MPH, there was an abnormal clunking sound coming from the vehicle. The contact believed that the sound was caused by ice buildup on the mud flap, but shortly afterwards, the engine revved unexpectedly, with the check engine warning light illuminated, and the message “Reduce Acceleration - Drive with Care” was displayed. The vehicle started to coast unintendedly. The contact stated the vehicle returned to normal operation after a short while. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer to be diagnosed. The mechanics pushed the vehicle out of the parking spot before inspecting the vehicle. The vehicle was diagnosed with transmission valve body failure. The contact was informed that the transmission valve body needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 88,342
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11717347February 11, 2026
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that while his wife was driving out of the driveway and driving approximately 20 MPH, the driver became aware of an abnormal flapping sound that became louder as the vehicle accelerated. Additionally, the contact stated while his wife was driving approximately 60-65 MPH on another occasion, the check engine warning light illuminated. The driver pulled over to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the residence, where a mobile independent mechanic diagnosed the vehicle with a misfire in cylinder #8. The mechanic determined that both sides of the engine lifters, the gaskets, and other unknown parts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The dealer and the manufacturer were not contacted. The vehicle warranty company was contacted and informed the contact that the vehicle was not covered under warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 93,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11717332February 11, 2026
STEERING
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and turning the steering wheel, there was an abnormally loud grinding sound coming from the vehicle, and the steering was difficult to turn. The vehicle was driven to a dealer and determined that the vehicle had lost power steering assist functionality. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V455000 (STEERING); and associated the failure with the recall; however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 96,725
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11717162February 11, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS, LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION
Vehicle taken into dealership for maintenance, after car received cars system software malfunctioned. Display screen went black and states "return to dealer. failed update" due to this issue I don't have access to car settings with most features are unavailable. All warning chimes such as turn signals, park sensor warnings, lane departure warning are inoperable. Had drove miles with turn signal on causing traffic disruption on neighboring lanes.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11716126February 6, 2026
POWER TRAIN
2021 tahoe with 3.0L diesel engine and 139k miles recently began overheating when on interstate but temp would jump up quickly then quickly back down. Reduced acceleration mode is triggered and AC is turned off automatically. Diagnostic report shows coolant control valve error code and it was explained to me that valve is sticking then as engine pressure rises, it knocks it loose again explaining the quickly jumps and dips in temp. Fan runs constantly from moment it is started too. When looking for the part online to get an idea of repair cost, there was a bulletin about this being a known issue in the 2021 tahoes with the diesel engines and bulletin states GM extended special coverage for 15yrs/150k miles. When I called dealer to schedule service, I was told this bulletin doesnt come up under my vin number despite it having the same issues, error codes, year, make, model, and engine.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11715576February 4, 2026
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a loud grinding sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed with failure. The contact was informed that the rear differential assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V036000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 95,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11715022February 2, 2026
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1ST ISSUE: 9/2025, after driving from another city to my home at 55-75 mph. As I pulled up home, the car just stalled and wouldn't start. I googled issue to find out it was a commonly known issue by GM. If fuel pump control module had happened while driving faster and not on my street to roll up to curb. I would have or could have been deadly. I find out what part # and local dealer knew there was a recall but told me he never heard about it and charged me for part. I installed in front of home on street and have been trying to get money back after reporting to GM I repaired my fuel pump control module and have been trying to get my money back from a repair done on 9/29/2025 by me. GM says it's looking into still after I keep calling them on status of this notice. I still have old part. I have filled out all reimbursement forms.1st the danger of it failing and now no money. By the time engine light comes on you have no power for any stopping or steering. #2 engine 2021 Tahoe High Country 6.2 L V8: NO RECALL HAS BEEN SENT. GM has known about an engine that has multiple failure issues that could GET YOU IN A SERIOUS ACCIDENT/death BY JUST STOP RUNNING, while just driving at any moment, INTERNAL FAILURES and main seal leaks, MORE! Mine just poured oil out on driveway after driving 6 miles to church and back. this will be the largest and most deadly auto issue in history. They even had dealers now with any on lot with this engine a stop sale order. aprox. 800,000 of these engines are out there, Local GM dealer says THERE IS NO RECALL. 2021 TO 2026 and they have only changed out aprox. 2800 engines and telling me mine sitting in driveway is not on recall. BS. these engines are in their high-end trucks, SUV's, Escalades. Someone needs to get Gm to do what's right and replace with new engines. That have been tested, all issues before someone has to die. Trying to keep silent on internet is sad. Yes its going to cost billions. But to keep customers safe and not scared.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11714815February 1, 2026
ENGINE
The vehicle stalled while driving down the road and started making a loud ticking noise, the engine light went on. It was brough to the dealership where they did an engine rebuild. They replaced 16 lifters and camshaft, a pulley belt and gaskets. The vehicle was picked up, however, a month later the oil low add oil light came on and the oil tank was more than 2.5 quarts low indicating extreme burning of oil. The vehicle is shuttering on acceleration of low RPMs. Brought it back to the dealership and awaiting further instruction. It caused a major safety concern because it has the potential to stall due to a motor defect on a major highway, putting my family and possibly others at risk of harm or death.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11714679January 31, 2026
ENGINE, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
Lost Power. Engine went into a limp mode. Engine starting knocking loudly and service esc came up on dash along with check engine light. Took it to the dealer and they said a lifter spun and damaged the camshaft. Dealer says it’s not covered by recall. Vehicle has been in Chevy dealer garage for 2 weeks and no repair yet.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11713669January 27, 2026
ENGINE
While driving normally, the vehicle developed engine performance issues and was diagnosed with a catastrophic camshaft failure at approximately 85,000 miles. The vehicle has received regular oil changes with full documentation and has not been abused or neglected. A licensed mechanic confirmed that the camshaft was severely worn and damaged, consistent with AFM/DFM lifter failure, which is a known issue on GM V8 engines. This failure caused significant internal engine damage requiring major repair. The failed camshaft has been retained as physical evidence. A camshaft should not fail prematurely under proper maintenance. This appears to be a manufacturing or design defect, not normal wear and tear, and presents a potential safety concern due to sudden loss of engine power.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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